Review of: Philadelphia 98, Sonics 90

The Sonics were shorthanded without Kevin Durant and Chris Wilcox and they struggled offensively as expected. But the key Monday was the Sonics’ inability to stop Philadelphia reserve guard Louis Williams, who finished the game with 19 points — including 14 free throws — in 21 minutes.

This isn’t Dwyane Wade or LeBron James. The Sonics allowed Louis Williams — all 175 pounds of him — to get to the free throw line 12 times in the fourth quarter. That’s beyond embarrassing for a defense that can’t seem to stop speedy point guards. The Sonics went to the free throw line just 11 times, including a combined one attempt from their guard Earl Watson and Delonte West.

Williams simply beat defenders off the dribble and pump faked to draw fouls. Of Philadelphia’s 25 points in the fourth quarter, 14 were scored at the free throw line and Williams, amazingly, attempted just one shot in that period, yet he drew six fouls. Wouldn’t you just rather have him hit a contested shot than go to the line?

The 76ers made just five shots in the final quarter but scored 25 points, which is a testament to the Sonics’ foul-first defense. Meanwhile, Delonte West seemed to be the only Sonic interested in mounting an offensive charge with 11 points in the fourth period. Jeff Green needs to take more than one shot in the period while Kurt Thomas didn’t get a shot attempt in 12 minutes.

It was a forgettable ending to the year for Seattle, but now the Seattle gets treacherous with Phoenix, Washington, Cleveland and New Jersey next — all on the road.

SONICS REPORT CARD

Jeff Green — Is getting better and better with each game and scored 16 points with six assists in nearly 38 minutes but took just four shots in the second half — B

Nick Collison — When he missed six shots in a game, its because his shot is off. He missed a few open jumpers but still finished with a double-double — B-

Kurt Thomas — Played nearly 39 minutes — a lot for a 35-year-old — and finished with 13 rebounds and a blow to the eye from Samuel Dalembert — B

Wally Szczerbiak — The Philadelphia defense made sure to shut him down when they found out he was starting and he was largely ineffective — C-

Earl Watson — He said he shot is feeling good, evidenced by a season-high 18 points and three 3-pointers — B

Johan Petro — Had his share of moments with 10 points and six boards in 20 minutes but he also missed seven shots, including several layups — C+

Delonte West — Went 6-for-15 from the field but sparked the Sonics’ final run — B-

Damien Wilkins — Missed six shots in 14 minutes and never got into the flow of the game, finishing with just two points — D+